Like for like Quotes on Sisterhood Flashcards
(8 cards)
“We are one, after all, you and I. Together we suffer, together exist, and forever will recreate each other.” - “A Thousand Splendid Suns”
This quote from “A Thousand Splendid Suns” highlights the unbreakable bond between sisters, who share their joys and sorrows, and stand by each other through thick and thin. Mariam and Laila, the two main characters in the book, form a sisterly bond despite their differences in age, background, and personality. Through their shared experiences of abuse, violence, and oppression under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, they become each other’s strength and hope for survival. This quote also suggests that sisterhood is not just about blood relations but can be formed between women who share a common struggle or goal.
“Her affection for her sister was the next strongest emotion of Tess’s heart, and she knew well how to sympathize with her.” - “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”
This quote from “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” highlights the deep love and affection that Tess has for her sister, Liza-Lu. Despite their poverty and hardships, Tess tries her best to support and protect her younger sister from the harsh realities of life. Tess’s sisterly love is also seen in her decision to sacrifice her own happiness and reputation to provide for her family, which ultimately leads to her tragic downfall. This quote suggests that sisterhood can be a source of comfort, empathy, and support, especially in times of need.
“In this single moment, this moment of hesitation, Laila knew that Mariam had forgiven her. And Laila forgave Mariam. For all the times that Mariam had been Jalil’s daughter. For all the times she had been a harami in her own home. For all the ways that Jalil’s wives had made her life a living hell. And Laila envied Mariam her strength.” - “A Thousand Splendid Suns”
This quote from “A Thousand Splendid Suns” illustrates the transformative power of forgiveness and the healing effect it can have on sisterly relationships. Laila and Mariam’s bond deepens when they forgive each other for their past mistakes, misunderstandings, and resentments. Laila acknowledges the strength and resilience that Mariam had to develop in order to survive in a patriarchal and oppressive society, and envies her for it. This quote suggests that sisterhood can also involve learning from each other’s experiences and admiring each other’s qualities.
“Elizabeth-Jane had always addressed her mother as “LUCETTA,” and had not known that she addressed her in a new name.” - “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”
This quote from “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” highlights the theme of mistaken identity and the blurred boundaries between sisters, mothers, and daughters. Elizabeth-Jane, Tess’s daughter, mistakes Lucetta, her mother’s friend, for her real mother, due to the similarity in their appearance and voice. This confusion leads to a chain of events that further complicates the already tangled relationships between the characters. This quote suggests that sisterhood can also involve a sense of familiarity, resemblance, and connection that transcends biological or legal ties.
“Mariam had never before been anyone’s to protect. She had been an illegitimate person, an unwanted thing, a harami, for thirty-three years.” - “A Thousand Splendid Suns”
This quote from “A Thousand Splendid Suns” highlights the vulnerability and marginalization that many women experience, especially those who are born out of wedlock or from disadvantaged backgrounds. Mariam’s sense of being unwanted and unloved is transformed when she forms a sisterly bond with Laila, who protects her and accepts her for who she is. This quote suggests that sisterhood can also involve a sense of empowerment, validation, and acceptance.
“Tess’s temporary liking for him, which had never been more than a sentimental regard for a good-natured man, was more than ever chilled into indifference by this misapprehension of her character.” - “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”
This quote from “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” highlights the theme of misunderstandings and miscommunications between sisters and other women. Tess’s relationship with her friend Retty is strained when Retty misinterprets Tess’s friendly gestures towards a man, and assumes that Tess is in love with him. This misunderstanding leads to Retty’s suicide attempt, and further exacerbates Tess’s guilt and sorrow. This quote suggests that sisterhood can also involve a delicate balance of trust, communication, and empathy.
“But she knew that this was the way Laila saw her now. A burden. A shameful secret. A blot on her organized, respectable little household.” - “A Thousand Splendid Suns”
This quote from “A Thousand Splendid Suns” highlights the theme of shame and stigma that can be attached to certain types of sisterly relationships, such as those involving illegitimate children, step-siblings, or half-sisters. Mariam’s relationship with Laila becomes strained when Laila’s husband, Rasheed, abuses Mariam and blames her for Laila’s miscarriage. Laila starts to distance herself from Mariam and sees her as a liability rather than a friend or sister. This quote suggests that sisterhood can also involve moments of betrayal, prejudice, and estrangement.
“But the happiness of a weak and idle person can be as genuine as that of a strong and busy one. Indeed, it may be more so, for the less resistence it meets with, the more it is likely to swell into an opulent fruition.” - “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”
This quote from “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” highlights the theme of contrasting personalities and aspirations between sisters. Tess’s sister, Mercy, is portrayed as a gentle and contented person, who finds happiness in her simple life and her relationship with her fiancé. Tess, on the other hand, is portrayed as a more ambitious and restless person, who longs for a better life and a deeper sense of fulfillment. This quote suggests that sisterhood can also involve differences in personality, values, and goals, and that each sister may find her own path to happiness and success.
